Silicate Rainout Archives

Interior structure schematic for the interior composition of sub-Neptune models presented in this work. Color is an approximate indicator of temperature (specific values depend on the model). The envelope (∼5% by mass) is a mixture of hydrogen, helium, and heavy elements (Z) represented by either water (Section 3.1) or silicates (Sections 3.2, 3.3). The mantle composition is MgSiO3, and the core composition is Fe16Si. We maintain a 2:1 mass ratio between the core and the mantle. For this work, the EMB represents a steep compositional gradient and thus controls mantle cooling by transferring heat to the envelope via conduction. Since conductive flux alone is insufficient to transport the entire interior heat to the envelope, a steep temperature gradient forms at the EMB, as seen in all models in this work. -- astro-ph.EP

Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Status Report

Sub-Neptune Memories I: Implications of Inefficient Mantle Cooling and Silicate Rain

by Keith CowingJanuary 12, 2026January 12, 2026

We explore the evolution of sub-Neptune (radii between ∼1.5 and 4 R⊕) exoplanet interior structures using our upgraded planetary evolution code, APPLE, which self-consistently couples the thermal and compositional evolution […]

Radius inflation, Δ𝑅/𝑅 = (𝑅 − 𝑅𝐶𝐸)/𝑅𝐶𝐸, as a function of age (x-axis) and envelope mass (y-axis), for planets with 4.3 M⊕ of silicates. For illustrative clarity we limited the scale of Δ𝑅/𝑅 to 0.25 (red color), but in reality Δ𝑅/𝑅 reaches values up to 1. Dashed curve signifies the maximum radius inflation for each envelope mass. astro-ph.EP

Astrogeology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Status Report

How Planets Form by Pebble Accretion V. Silicate Rainout Delays Contraction of Sub-Neptunes

by Keith CowingMay 17, 2024May 17, 2024

The characterization of Super-Earth-to-Neptune sized exoplanets relies heavily on our understanding of their formation and evolution.

Silicate Rainout

Sub-Neptune Memories I: Implications of Inefficient Mantle Cooling and Silicate Rain

How Planets Form by Pebble Accretion V. Silicate Rainout Delays Contraction of Sub-Neptunes

Planetesimal Formation Across the Stellar Mass Spectrum and its Influence on Exoplanet-Inherited Volatile Budgets

Astronaut Training For Underground Science Expeditions

Achieving Efficient Broadband Spatial Filtering For LIFE: Status And Plan

A Comprehensive Study Of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko In The 2021/2022 Apparition. II. Colorimetry, Polarimetry, Modeling

Mars Express And Psyche Same Day Imagery of Mars